In the third installment of our summer field experience series, JMC students share how internships are helping them explore public affairs through advocacy, rights and public impact. From labor law and disability rights to family services, state policy and global security, Madisonians are applying classroom skills to work that affects individuals, communities and institutions.
Read the first and second installments of our JMC summer internships series.
Bralyn Campbell
Internship with Miller Cohen P.L.C. in Detroit, MI
Major: Political Theory & Constitutional Democracy and Politics, Rights & Culture
Minor: Leadership in Integrated Learning
Expected Graduation Year: 2028
What were some of your regular responsibilities during your internship? I worked alongside Richard Mack to analyze past arbitration cases and assess arbitrators’ interpretations of the collective bargaining agreement between Local 223 of the Utility Workers Union and DTE Energy. Additionally, I assisted attorneys and paralegals with legal research to support case development and strengthen representation of utility workers in labor and employment matters.
What kind of public affairs issues or problems did your internship focus on? The main focus was on labor relations and advocating for workers facing disputes with their employers. My work centered on protecting employees’ rights, addressing workplace conflicts and supporting attorneys through legal research related to labor and employment matters.
Which JMC skills showed up most clearly in your internship? The close-reading and policy analysis skills I developed throughout my PTCD coursework. Through analyzing the works of Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke and Tocqueville, I have learned how to interpret complex texts and evaluate their broader implications. These skills have directly supported my current work by allowing me to analyze arbitration cases and better understand the issues laborers face within Collective Bargaining Agreements with employers.
How did the experience shape how you're thinking about your future career path? Initially, I did not think I would have much interest in labor law, but after hearing and reading the stories of laborers who have been mistreated or taken advantage of by their employers, I realized how strongly I wanted to make a difference. I hope to pursue a future career that allows me to work directly with individuals who have been impacted by corporations or who have experienced workplace injustices.
Erna Kljaic-Dugalic
Internship with Family Futures in Grand Rapids, MI
Major: Politics, Rights & Culture
Minors: Spanish and American Indian & Indigenous Studies
Expected Graduation Year: 2027
What were some of your regular responsibilities during your internship? Creating social media posts for events and resources, brainstorming ideas for interactive and inviting content, tabling at and setting up different events in the community, video recording and editing, writing emails, communicating between multiple staff and government organizations and much more.
What kind of public affairs issues or problems did your internship focus on? Trying to close the gap in child developmental delays and preventing child abuse. We connect parents of children under six to various resources that can help them make sure their children are hitting milestones, receiving any help or advice they may need, and overall, just helping the whole family and, in turn, making the community a better place.
Which JMC skills showed up most clearly in your internship? Communication, community engagement and understanding the complex impact that public affairs and resources have on someone’s life.
How did the experience shape how you're thinking about your future career path? It’s given me the opportunity to try many different things involving communications, social media and community engagement. I was able to come up with my own ideas and also execute what my bosses wanted and was able to help with almost any event I wanted!
Elena Sweeney
Internship with Hilton’s Corporate Headquarters as a Global Intelligence/Business Continuity Management Intern in McLean, VA
Major: International Relations
Expected Graduation Year: 2027
What were some of your regular responsibilities during your internship? I work with my team to assess and manage a variety of risks that affect both our properties and our enterprise. We take into consideration geopolitical events, natural disasters, reputational concerns, workplace safety etc, so it is a very fast-paced role given Hilton’s global scale that makes you think on your feet. We talk through predicting and planning for disasters that may affect the business and also ensuring that we have the right plans in place to react when disasters and emergencies inevitably happen. We had a very busy summer given major events such as the World Cup and America’s 250th celebration and it was very interesting to see how a massive hotel company prepares and responds to these sorts of events that can be a huge deliverer of business and simultaneously introduce a myriad of risks to our hotels.
What kind of public affairs issues or problems did your internship focus on? Managing geopolitical risk, using contextual geopolitical knowledge to strategically approach global communications and crisis management and working with government affairs to manage changing legal environments.
Which JMC skills showed up most clearly in your internship? My background knowledge of geopolitics/IR has been extremely helpful in discerning what matters are important or might affect the business on a global scale. Also, my writing/communication ability from my classes has been huge in efficiently and clearly communicating risk.
How did the experience shape how you're thinking about your future career path? It has solidified that I am very interested in security/intelligence work and I want to continue to do work that keeps people safe.
Kate Parachek
Internship with Association of People with Disabilities Summer Internship Program, placement with GH Disability Law Group in Washington, D.C.
Major: Social Relations & Policy
Expected Graduation Year: 2028
What were some of your regular responsibilities during your internship? Throughout my internship at GH Disability Law Group, I conducted legal and policy research on disability rights issues, assisted attorneys with client advocacy and case preparation, drafted professional communications, and developed a comprehensive disability rights resource guide for clients. This work strengthened my understanding of disability law, accessibility, and the role of legal advocacy in advancing equity for disabled communities.
What kind of public affairs issues or problems did your internship focus on? My internship focused on disability rights and the ways public policy and legal systems shape access, equity, and inclusion for disabled individuals. I worked on issues involving accessibility, housing, education, and community resources while supporting advocacy efforts aimed at reducing systemic barriers.
Which JMC skills showed up most clearly in your internship? Critical thinking, policy analysis, research and professional writing. My coursework taught me to examine social issues by considering historical context, systemic barriers, and the ways laws and institutions impact different communities. During my internship, I applied these skills by conducting legal and policy research and analyzing how policies surrounding housing, education, employment, and accessibility affect disabled individuals. JMC also strengthened my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and advocate for solutions that promote equity and justice.
How did the experience shape how you're thinking about your future career path? This experience helped me think more broadly about my future career path. While I am still exploring exactly what I want to do after graduation, my internship reinforced my interest in disability rights, advocacy and creating more equitable systems. Working at GH Disability Law Group showed me the many ways individuals can contribute to social change, whether through law, public policy, education, nonprofit work, or advocacy. I gained a better understanding of the role that research, communication, and collaboration play in advancing accessibility and disability justice, and I hope to carry those lessons into whatever career path I pursue.
Jack Reynolds
Internship with State Senator Sarah Anthony in Lansing, MI
Major: Politics, Rights & Culture and Political Theory & Constitutional Democracy
Expected Graduation Year: 2028
What were some of your regular responsibilities during your internship? Responding to constituent emails regarding legislation and policies, attending meetings alongside deputy chief of staff with advocacy groups and researching existing legislations and potential legislative policies.
What kind of public affairs issues or problems did your internship focus on? Ensuring that constituents can voice their concerns or support to the State Senator. Additionally, I complete tasks that are contributing to the Senator's goals and missions.
Which JMC skills showed up most clearly in your internship? Critical analysis, research, and comprehensive writing skills (especially when it comes to writing summaries for legislation).
How did the experience shape how you're thinking about your future career path? I've always enjoyed policies and how they affect communities, but after this internship and being in meetings with organizations and non-profits that are being directly influenced by the policies, I want my future career to be more in that environment.